Planning a trip to Boston?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Diesel Café
Café and Coffee Shop$$$$
Davis Square, Somerville
Ranked #6 for cafés in Somerville
The coffee at Diesel Café is a can't miss
"The Little Piston is my (vegetarian) favorite!"(5 Tips)
"get the raspberry lime rickey."(4 Tips)
"Somerville Smog!"(5 Tips)
"Super nice staff and good Intelligentsia coffee"(4 Tips)
217 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- coffee
- sandwiches
- tea
- little piston
- raspberry lime rickey
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Paid WIFI but the happy service and delicious Intelligentsia coffee and menu make up for that. Grab a seat in the front for good people watching and one in the way back for quiet writing.
RozaMarch 3, 2014This is the nicest environment to read your book at davis square area so far. Peaceful, and warm. Great staff. Also the interior design of the place inspiring by diesel is awesome. Love you DC💋
Louisa RigaliFebruary 26, 2015Little Piston sandwich is the best. I came here for the photo booth and the pics came out funky, so beware--but they let me try twice and gave me my money back too, so it was worth it!
Miraj ShahOctober 12, 2015Great coffee, great sandwiches, I liked the Branch-Tomsho. It's a huge space that can get pretty loud, so not always the best place to get work done. Have to love the industrial aesthetic though.
One of my favorite coffee shops in all of Greater Boston. Cool vibe, great menu, and awesome space between the open air in the Summer and pool tables in the back.
Sonia SMay 8, 2018Really a great, spacious cafe for working, reading, and even playing pool! Yummy blueberry lemon scone!
Danielle LancashireJanuary 13, 2017Super friendly staff, avocado salad, and brownies are great. Only downside is that ordering a flat white results in either a latte or cappuccino, but both are good.
A very cool crowd with a side of excellent sandwiches. This is one of the busiest spots in Davis Square (and we can see why) so prepare to do some table stalking but remember, it's totally worth it.
Javier Delgado EstebanMay 15, 2019Great industrial vibe massive space with loads of benches for laptop working pretty good breakfast range
Steph FellNovember 11, 2012Good spot for readers, students, pool players (2 tables) and photo-booth fans. Sandwich menu is large and sounds good; the ones I've tried were great, cant say the same about the pasta sidedish though
The tofu scramble wrap is delicious. Love the vegetarian soups, too. Pots of tea are great. Wifi is $$. If you're going to be a repeat customer, get a stamp card at the register for free drinks.
Jeanne LaddJune 17, 2012Great coffee and wonderful vibe. Good place to grab a cup and kick back. Large selection of veggie food and sandwiches!
Chase MaxwellSeptember 1, 2011The best espresso drinks anywhere in Boston. Though it can be overwhelmingly loud at times, this is often part of its charm and draw--you will undoubtedly find interesting people and conversations.
Usually busy so watch for empty seats attentively~ breakfast burrito and bagel and lox plate for breakfast is good :) The coffee is always delicious.
Alana LynchNovember 3, 2011Their take on a London Fog is tasty as well as clever ("Somerville Smog"), the sandwiches are wicked good, the staff are nice, atmosphere is laid-back, and the pool tables are cheap. Love it!
Lauren ChristopherJanuary 30, 2017Such a cool vibe and FANTASTIC ESPRESSO!!! Plus they have billiards, outlets and tons of places to sit.
Great coffee. Can't go wrong. Love it much more than Starbucks across the street
Nick UsoffSeptember 10, 2014Though a little expensive, the green tea latte was by far the best drink I've ever gotten in a cafe
Anit DasAugust 26, 2015If you want it hot, get the mocha latte. If you want it iced, get the mocha *au lait*.
CityRover MediaJanuary 5, 2011Try everything from chocolate muffins to coconut macaroons. If you're looking for a bit more substance, you won’t go wrong with one of their tasty soups or salads – the selection changes frequently. Read more
Sit by the front window and you can pick up the free Starbucks wi-fi from across the street.Upvoted Dec 4, 2024
Ross Flieger-AllisonFebruary 2, 2020Great spot to get some work done on the weekend. It can be tough to get a seat though.
Prompt BostonMay 9, 2013Great place on weekday mornings (quiet, brilliant start to the day). Try the Iggy's rolls - ask for them to be heated and for butter! Mmm...
VG coffee of all types (pour overs!) with lots of seating (good for working)
Inderpreet SinghAugust 19, 2014Great sandwiches. They can make them vegan. They added extra spinach to my tofu wrap instead of the cheese.
Margot BloomsteinMarch 30, 2014The cream cheese brownie is all a brownie should be: so moist it doesn't NEED no stinkin' frosting.
- The Little Piston is my (vegetarian) favorite! All cheese is locally sourced too! Literally one of the best sandwiches around.
My favorite place to sit with a cortado, a bagel or yogurt parfait, and a book on a weekend morning.
Great espresso here and awesome service, always with a simile. Best coffee in Davis square.
Voted best Independent coffee shop in Somerville for many years running. Awesome! And well deserved.
AllieJanuary 21, 2014Staff were super friendly. The back of the dining area feels like a study hall: not much food, lots of coffee cups, laptops, books, papers, backpacks, and students.
MazdaNovember 12, 2010This is one of the top coffee shops in the Boston area, because of it's character, large space, friendly staff, and delicious coffee. Oh, and the photobooth.
Sara LiqueNovember 27, 2012the nachos are amazing & i am a huge fan of the raspberry lime rickeys there too :)
BravoNovember 12, 2010Besides the good coffee and yummy sandwiches, an old school photo booth is a great way to goof-off by yourself or with friends. -Tania Peterson, Top Chef Just Desserts
Jo LamFebruary 3, 2013Love this place but I keep forgetting you have to pay for wifi until I buy my drink and sit down :-(
Best cafe near school. Fun ambiance. Not my favorite place to get work done, but a great place to meet people.
Meg MSeptember 8, 2011Perfect place for a casual client meeting! Order a chai, take a seat and whip out your laptop and impress them with laid back attitude.
Delicious chai lattes and a super friendly atmosphere. Beware on Sundays. It gets packed.
Evan POctober 6, 2013Square tattoo on forearm and/or thigh, check. Short haircut, check. Facial jewelry and androgynous clothing, check. You are now qualified to work here.
Maddie SimensOctober 18, 2013Little piston sandwich sans onions is heaven on earth. Halloween decorations are also over the top awesome.
Nick JordanApril 4, 2013Diesel looks tiny from the street but don't be fooled. The shop is long and thin with lots of seating and even a couple of pool tables.
John SantamariaNovember 2, 2014Good coffee and vibe but you have got to try the Maple Oatmeal Scones. Fabulous! Disappointed there is no free WiFi however.
Go for the "Tuck's Turtle" - hot chocolate w/ hazelnut, caramel & whipped cream (if you ask, they'll add expresso)
The salted caramel latte is so good. And I have never been disappointed by any of the sandwiches.
Kristine W.May 1, 2015Love the atmosphere here but it's a struggle to find available seating & outlets.
kelly brosnanSeptember 14, 2015iced coffee is watery but hot coffee is amazing! i recommend the salted caramel
523 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Davis Square coffee shop open since 1999!
Open until 4:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
(617) 629-8717
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Paid
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dessert
Drinks
Beer
See More
You might also like
- 9.1
"Lavender biscuit is incredible. Their yogurts are pretty good too!"
Jeffrey Zhao - 8.8
"Their Rustica Special is an amazing sandwich on fresh bread. Make sure they toast it. It has tomatoes, mozaeella, basil and prosciutto!"
Jeremy Krantz - 9.2
"The most European-style coffee place in the area. Order a shot of espresso to take at the standing bar. The cortado is my go-to here...so good."
Lindsay D'Andrea
Places people like to go after Diesel Café
Appears on 255 lists
Created by Gloria Chin
178 items • 28 followers
Created by Boston Reddit
73 items • 199 followers
Created by Diffuse 5
36 items • 29 followers